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2024 Global App Store Revenue Expected to Reach $1.3 Trillion

A recent study, backed by Apple, highlights how the App Store contributed to a staggering $1.3 trillion economy in 2024. This figure is expected to become a central theme as governments around the world consider new regulations.

With ongoing legal issues in the United States and the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, Apple is under scrutiny regarding the management of its App Store. Courts have consistently challenged Apple’s practices, pointing to a potential tipping point.

The global App Store economic study, conducted by analysts Jessica Burley and Professor Andrey Fradkin, reveals significant metrics reflecting the App Store’s role in the global market since 2019. While Apple stated its support for the study, it also made it clear that the conclusions are solely those of the authors.

This study expands upon a previous one released in late May that focused on the U.S. market. Key findings from the study show that the App Store ecosystem has grown from $514 billion in 2019 to the aforementioned $1.3 trillion in 2024.

Of this total, $1 trillion comes from physical goods, $131 billion from digital goods, and $150 billion from advertisements. Notably, Apple reported that it collected no commission on over 90% of the $1.3 trillion in total billings, a point that could be significant in defending its commission structure.

Despite these impressive figures, many developers express dissatisfaction with Apple’s commission rates, arguing for more transparency and fairness in payment models. Some developers feel their contributions to the App Store economy are undervalued, and there are calls for alternative monetization strategies.

With the potential for regulatory intervention looming, Apple’s current commission model may require reassessment. As regulations become more stringent, Apple must adapt its App Store economy to thrive, or it may face external pressures to change.

New Analysis Examines the Accuracy of Apple Watch Tracking Features

A recent meta-analysis conducted by researchers at the University of Mississippi examined 56 studies assessing the accuracy of the Apple Watch in monitoring health metrics. The findings suggest that while the device provides fairly precise data for heart rate and step counts, it exhibits a significantly wider margin of error when measuring calories burned.

In the year 2025, fitness trackers and smartwatches have become commonplace, especially in gyms across the United States. These technological advancements cater to individuals concerned about their health or those seeking to optimize their workouts.

However, this raises a crucial question: How accurate are devices like the Apple Watch? The Ole Miss study specifically compared Apple Watch data with clinical reference tools, considering factors such as age, existing health conditions, and the age of the device.

The results indicated that the Apple Watch is quite accurate in tracking heart rate and step counts, with mean absolute percent errors reported at 4.43% and 8.17%, respectively. However, when it comes to calculating energy expenditure, the device was inaccurate nearly 28% of the time across various user activities, including walking, running, cycling, and mixed-intensity workouts.

Though the inaccuracy in calorie tracking might be concerning, Professor Minsoo Kang, who led the study, emphasizes that users should not discard their Apple Watches. He notes that these devices serve as useful tools for habit tracking and motivation but should not be viewed as definitive sources of information, particularly regarding calories.

Kang is optimistic about the future developments in wearable technology. He believes that improvements in accuracy will continue as newer models of the Apple Watch show a trend of gradual advancements.

Furthermore, he hopes that the findings of their study will assist consumers in making informed decisions while encouraging developers to address the shortcomings of current devices. By identifying weaknesses, developers can enhance sensors and algorithms, ultimately making these devices more beneficial for everyday users and healthcare providers.

Upcoming July Releases: Four New Games Launching on Apple Arcade

Apple Arcade is set to introduce four new games this July, catering to a variety of tastes, including arcade-style action, tower defense, puzzles, and creative games for younger audiences. This expansion adds fresh challenges and family-friendly entertainment accessible across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

This month, Apple continues its trend of updating the pay-once, play-all-you-want service by adding an exciting mix of genres. Players can look forward to classic arcade gameplay, engaging puzzles, a compelling tower defense experience, and a game themed around Crayola for children.

One of the highlights is *Angry Birds Bounce*, which reinvents the beloved franchise with brick-breaker mechanics combined with rogue-lite elements. Players will launch birds to clear levels, unlock power-ups, and build combos while battling against invading pigs to reclaim their islands.

Every new level presents unique challenges that blend strategy with fast-paced gameplay. Another addition is *Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD+*, which elevates the renowned tower defense series with enhanced speed, deeper strategy, and added excitement.

In this installment, players can command two heroes per stage, along with 15 heroes, 17 distinct towers, and 32 upgradable characters. With 22 campaign stages and over 40 enemy types, this game promises humor and replayability for its fans.

The viral sensation *Suika Game+* also joins the lineup, challenging players to combine matching fruits in hopes of creating the ultimate watermelons. This physics-based puzzle game tests players’ skills in placement and strategy while allowing them to compete on global leaderboards.

Lastly, *Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets+* is designed for younger players, allowing them to care for over 90 pets through grooming, feeding, and coloring activities. With a creative and engaging 3D environment, it aims to foster empathy, attention, and memory skills among children.

Apple Arcade is available for $6.99 per month and can be accessed through various Apple devices, creating a versatile gaming experience.

New Apple Store Opens at Sky City Mall in Mumbai

Apple is actively expanding its retail presence in India, with plans for a new store in Mumbai’s latest shopping mall, Sky City Mall. This follows the opening of Apple’s first store in Mumbai by CEO Tim Cook and Deirdre O’Brien in 2023. According to reports, Apple has secured a lease for 12,616 square feet at the new location, with a rental agreement lasting nearly 11 years. Historically, Apple’s retail strategy began with stores averaging around 6,000 square feet.

However, by 2012, the need for larger spaces was clear, as the average size of Apple stores had grown to 8,400 square feet. Flagship stores, such as those in Covent Garden, London, and Fifth Avenue in New York, are significantly larger, with sizes of 40,000 and 77,000 square feet, respectively. The new Mumbai outlet will be located approximately 13 miles from the existing Apple BKC, which spans 20,000 square feet. An interesting detail about the lease is the initial 10-month rent-free agreement, after which Apple will pay around $21,000 monthly.

Additionally, for the first 42 months, the company will contribute a 2% quarterly revenue share, which will increase to 2.5% thereafter—common practice in the region. Apple is also looking to strengthen its position in India with new stores planned for Bengaluru and Pune, along with a second store in Delhi. As of early 2024, it was reported that the first two stores alone accounted for nearly 20% of Apple’s business in the country. The company continues to sell products through third-party resellers and is ramping up its manufacturing capabilities in India.

Moreover, Apple is enhancing its repair services through new partnerships with Tata Group, indicating a broader commitment to operational growth in the region.

iOS 18 Adoption Remains Low Despite Apple Intelligence Enhancements

Apple has reported the adoption rate for iOS 18, which is currently at 82% among compatible iPhones. This figure puts it just below the average adoption rate of 83.2% observed over the past decade, even though it was anticipated that the introduction of Apple Intelligence would enhance its popularity.

By January 2025, iOS 18 had actually surpassed its predecessor, iOS 17, reaching 76% adoption a month earlier than iOS 17 did the previous year. Despite this early success, some experts found the rate of adoption unexpectedly low, particularly after CEO Tim Cook’s assertion of rapid updates at the launch in October 2024.

In a statement, Cook highlighted that early statistics suggested users were adopting iOS 18.1 at twice the rate of 17.1 during the same quarter the previous year. He attributed this to a combination of stronger performance from earlier versions, specifically noting that iOS 15 and iOS 16 showed improved uptake over their predecessors.

Now, however, Apple has revealed its finalized figures, showing an overall rate of 82% for iOS 18. Looking at the historical data over the last decade, from iOS 8 to iOS 18, the highest adoption rate was recorded for iOS 14 at 90%, while iOS 17 had the lowest at 77%.

Apple’s data shows the following adoption rates for compatible iPhones: iOS 8 and 9 each at 84%, iOS 10 at 86%, and the subsequent years varying between 81% and 87%. Apple has also tracked adoption rates for devices released in the past four years.

Since the introduction of this separate measurement in 2019, iOS 18’s rate of 88% sits marginally above the average of 87.9% for this group. In general, the adoption rates for compatible devices have remained relatively stable over the past decade, never falling below 77% or exceeding 90%.

Comparatively, Android adoption rates for its latest OS remain strikingly low, with only 4.5% of smartphones reported to be using the most current version.

One in Four iPhone Users Approve Payments Outside the App Store

Big developers are optimistic that U.S. users might consider purchasing subscriptions outside of the App Store. However, a recent survey indicates that significant discounts will be necessary to entice most users to make the switch. The ongoing legal battle between Epic Games and Apple has led to Apple being required to allow developers to link to external stores after not complying with a 2021 court injunction.

As a result, this may lead to notable revenue declines for Apple in the future. According to a May survey conducted by AlphaWise and discussed in a Morgan Stanley analyst note, many consumers are interested in making purchases without using Apple’s payment systems. The survey posed a question to U.S. iPhone owners regarding their willingness to buy an app directly from a developer’s website at the same price as offered on the App Store.

The results showed that approximately 28% of respondents expressed they were “Extremely Likely” to do so, a slight increase from prior years, while 20% said “Somewhat Likely,” which is a drop from previous surveys. On the other hand, a combined 26% of respondents found the prospect “Somewhat Unlikely” or “Extremely Unlikely,” indicating a growing resistance. To further analyze potential user behavior, the survey inquired about the discounts needed to make non-App Store purchases appealing.

In 2025, respondents indicated they would require a discount of around 29%, which is lower than the 35% reported in a 2022 survey. Nevertheless, this discount closely mirrors Apple’s existing 30% cut from App Store transactions, meaning developers could potentially earn similar profits from direct sales after accounting for any processing fees. Despite this, if the survey results hold, the implications for Apple are significant.

Morgan Stanley estimates a potential revenue risk of about $3.7 billion, which could affect Apple’s quarterly earnings. Following a court ruling mandating changes to Apple’s anti-steering policy, the company introduced a complex alternative but faced renewed legal challenges to its practices. Apple has since appealed the decision and sought to delay enforcement, though this request was denied in June.

‘Sniper Elite 5’ Launches on iPhone, iPad, and Mac in 2026

Set against the backdrop of the decaying Atlantic Wall in Nazi-occupied France, “Sniper Elite 5” is set to make its debut on iPhone, iPad, and Mac in early 2026. Players will once again step into the shoes of elite marksman Karl Fairburne, who will aid the French Resistance in undermining the Atlantikwall fortifications along Brittany’s coast during World War II in 1944.

This third-person tactical shooter emphasizes stealth and features detailed maps inspired by real-world locations. The game’s enhanced traversal system encourages players to explore their environments more thoroughly than previous installments.

A standout feature is the acclaimed “X-ray Kill Camera,” offering a unique internal view of enemies as they are hit, adding a dramatic flair to the gameplay. Originally released in 2022 for Windows, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, “Sniper Elite 5” received positive reviews, particularly for its sniping mechanics that players found engaging and realistic.

While specific system requirements for the upcoming iOS and macOS versions have yet to be confirmed, it’s expected they will be similar to those needed for “Sniper Elite 4.” For Mac users, this likely means a machine equipped with an M1 chip or newer, running macOS Ventura or later.

Additionally, it’s anticipated that the game will be available exclusively on the App Store, excluding access via Steam for Mac users. For iPad gamers, it is likely that devices will need to support iPadOS 17 or later, equipped with either an M-series or A17 Pro chip.

Meanwhile, iPhone players will probably require iOS 17 or later, with compatible devices including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Pro series, along with the forthcoming iPhone 17 lineup.

watchOS 26 May Feature Third-Party Widgets for Enhanced Control Center Experience

A recent rumor has surfaced indicating that Apple may allow third-party developers to integrate buttons and widgets into the watchOS 26 Control Center. As anticipation builds for upcoming updates to Apple’s operating systems, more leaks continue to emerge ahead of the anticipated unveiling on June 9 during the WWDC 2025 keynote address.

The latest information comes from anonymous sources connected to 9to5Mac. These insiders suggest that watchOS 26 will enhance the Apple Watch Control Center by allowing third-party app integration and improved customizability.

This update would enable users to rearrange widgets through the Apple Watch app on their iPhone, as well as add and remove various actions linked to third-party applications. This concept mirrors the recent changes seen in the iOS 18 Control Center.

Given the limited screen space of the Apple Watch, the new widgets are likely to display simple data points and function primarily as quick app launchers. For instance, users could check the temperature of their home, quickly access a direct message on Snapchat, or jump directly into their favorite podcast app.

In addition to the Control Center updates, the same anonymous source has leaked information regarding other upcoming features for Apple Music and the Notes app. Additionally, there are whispers of new gesture controls for AirPods, indicating that several enhancements are on the horizon.

Apple enthusiasts won’t have to wait long for confirmation of these rumors. The WWDC 2025 keynote event is set to begin at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, where the company will unveil new operating system designs, features related to Apple Intelligence, and more.

Cellebrite Purchases Corellium, an iPhone Virtualization Company, for $200 Million

Cellebrite, a prominent Israeli cybersecurity company that aids law enforcement in unlocking iPhones, has acquired the virtualization startup Corellium for $200 million. This collaboration is expected to enhance the development of a new digital forensics product aimed at streamlining data extraction from iPhones. Both Cellebrite and Corellium are well-established in the field of iOS forensics and analysis.

Their merger could facilitate easier access to iPhone data for law enforcement agencies. Historically, Cellebrite has worked extensively with law enforcement using specialized hardware, but the acquisition of Corellium is anticipated to bring about a software-based tool leveraging virtualization technology. Reports suggest the new product, named “Mirror,” will allow law enforcement to create a virtual replica of a confiscated iPhone.

This virtual environment will enable the extraction of relevant data in a more efficient manner compared to existing Cellebrite solutions, which struggle to retrieve data from certain applications. Corellium’s founder, Chris Wade, envisions that “Mirror” will present jurors with an accurate depiction of a defendant’s phone, moving beyond basic technical screenshots. Moreover, Cellebrite and Corellium are considering the integration of artificial intelligence to detect unauthorized code executions on iPhones.

This capability would assist in identifying state-sponsored spyware and may interest various law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which recently signed a substantial contract with Cellebrite. Corellium has primarily focused on virtualization for security research, although it faced legal challenges from Apple in the past. These disputes concerning copyright and software emulation have since been resolved.

Chris Wade, currently the Chief Technology Officer of Corellium, was previously pardoned for unrelated cybercrime offenses, following his cooperation with the U.S. government. While the acquisition’s outcomes remain to be seen, it may lessen the necessity for physical device interactions during data retrieval processes. The systemic evolution of Apple’s security measures, particularly with its upcoming operating system update, will continue to pose challenges for digital forensics in the future.

Apple Readies Major UI Overhaul for iOS 19 and macOS 16 “Solarium” Updates

Apple is gearing up to unveil a modernized look for iOS 19, macOS 16, and its other operating systems, featuring a new interface called “Solarium.” This design is expected to be revealed during the upcoming WWDC, which is just a few weeks away. As the keynote approaches, speculation is intensifying about the changes that will be introduced, particularly concerning the user interface.

According to a recent newsletter from Bloomberg, the “Solarium” interface aims to provide a fresher and sleeker reinvention of the existing UIs for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. The name “Solarium,” which describes spaces that allow ample sunlight through glass windows, hints at a design focused on brightness and clarity. Previous reports suggested that iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16 could incorporate design elements derived from visionOS, aligning with the themes implied by the “Solarium” name.

A key theme for WWDC 2025 is visual consistency across Apple’s platforms. This means that users can expect similar interfaces and features when using functions across various devices and operating systems. Reports suggest that this redesign initiative will extend beyond just iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, potentially influencing redesigns in tvOS and watchOS as well.

In addition, adjustments to visionOS are expected to ensure cohesion across the ecosystem. In recent discussions, leakers have teased aspects of the anticipated iOS 19 updates. Concepts include frosted glass elements, rounded icons, and more floating interface components.

While there has been considerable debate among insiders regarding the specifics of the UI updates, the consensus is that significant visual updates to Apple’s operating systems are both expected and long overdue.